causing fear or awe crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find comprehensive solutions for the clue "causing fear or awe crossword clue", designed to help you quickly complete your puzzle. We offer a range of answers varying in length, along with explanations to deepen your understanding.
Solutions for "causing fear or awe crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
AWFUL: Historically, something full of awe; now often meaning terrible, but can still refer to something grand or inspiring, fitting both fear and awe in older contexts.
7 Letters
AWESOME: Inspiring an overwhelming feeling of reverence, admiration, fear, etc., produced by that which is grand, sublime, or extremely powerful.
8 Letters
DREADFUL: Causing or involving great suffering, fear, or unhappiness; extremely bad or serious.
10 Letters
TERRIFYING: Causing extreme fear or dread; very frightening.
FORMIDABLE: Inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, intense, or capable.
11 Letters
FRIGHTENING: Making someone afraid or anxious; terrifying.
More About "causing fear or awe crossword clue"
The clue "causing fear or awe" delves into the fascinating duality of human emotion towards powerful or grand phenomena. Historically, the word "awe" often carried a connotation of fear alongside wonder, particularly when contemplating divine power or natural forces. This is why words like "awful" originally described something truly awe-inspiring, rather than merely bad.
When encountering this clue, crossword solvers should consider both the literal sense of fear (e.g., terrifying, dreadful) and the more profound sense of awe, which can include reverence, respect, and a slight apprehension due to immense power or beauty. The context of the puzzle and the number of letters available will often guide you to the most suitable answer.
Answers can range from straightforward descriptors of fear to more nuanced terms that blend the two emotions, like "formidable." Understanding these subtle differences is key to mastering such clues and expanding your vocabulary for future puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "causing fear or awe," consider if the answer leans more towards pure terror or a mix of wonder and apprehension. Words like 'awesome' lean to the latter, while 'terrifying' is purely fear.
- Check Letter Count First: Always match potential answers to the exact number of letters required. This instantly narrows down possibilities significantly.
- Cross-Reference with Intersecting Words: The most reliable way to confirm a difficult answer is to see if it fits perfectly with the letters of intersecting clues you've already solved.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: Sometimes, thinking of a word's opposite or a close synonym can lead you to the answer, even if it's not immediately obvious.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a common crossword answer for something that causes awe?
A common answer for something that causes awe is AWESOME. This word directly relates to inspiring a feeling of profound respect and wonder, often with a hint of fear.
How do I approach crossword clues that suggest both 'fear' and 'awe'?
For clues like 'causing fear or awe', consider words that encompass both emotions. Words like FORMIDABLE or REDOUBTABLE can imply both respect (awe) and a sense of challenge or danger (fear). Also, check the letter count and surrounding letters for more specific fits.
Are there single words that mean both fear and awe?
Yes, words like 'awe-inspiring' or 'formidable' can convey both. 'Awful' historically meant inspiring awe, but colloquially now often means very bad. When solving, always consider the traditional and modern meanings, as crossword setters often play on word origins.